BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) -- Lightning is likely to blame for flames that sparked at a St. James Plantation home late last night, according to the fire marshal leading the investigation.

Brunswick County Fire Marshal Scott Garner says the fire started around 10:45 p.m. at the home at 4420 Midshipman Court, which is inside the gated community there. Dispatchers say the initial call came from a neighbor, who they say reported seeing a lightning strike just before flames started coming from the attic.

Garner says when firefighters first got to the scene, they spotted smoke coming from the roof. Dispatchers say several fire crews responded to the scene, including St. James, Sunny Point, Southport, Bolivia, and Oak Island fire departments.

Dispatchers say no one was hurt in the fire, and investigators do not believe anyone was home when the flames started. Garner says though it appears that lightning caused the fire, crews will be further investigating throughout the day today. He also says the home is likely a total loss.

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